How-to: choose a weight-loss program

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Personalize your slim-down

You’ve just made an incredible, life-changing decision. If you’re clinically overweight, making the decision to lose weight means getting in shape, improving your health and more importantly, getting your life back. If you’ve just got a few pesky kilos to lose, then losing weight can be a great way to get your eating back on track and improve your confidence. Either way, making the choice to begin a weight loss program is a huge step. The next challenge is finding the program that’s right for you. Here’s how to do it…

Chat to your GP

It’s strongly recommended that you have a thorough check up and seek medical advice before beginning any weight loss program. Your GP will also be able to provide you with helpful advice on healthy eating and exercises you can do to lose weight, so they’re a great place to start your weight loss journey.

Evaluate your needs

The weight loss diet and exercise regime you choose should be based on your specific needs – if you have a large amount of weight to lose, it’s going to take a while to get it off, so finding a program that you can sustain over a long period of time is a must. Avoid deprivation diets that force you to cut out the things you most enjoy and instead opt for diets that focus on portion control, so you can continue enjoying the foods you like, in a controlled way.

Consult a weight loss expert

Nearly all gyms have a weight loss expert and nutritionist on hand who can provide you with advice on a weight loss program that’s suited to your individual needs. For a small fee, you can sign up to have a weekly session with your gym’s weight loss expert, during which they’ll take regular measurements and debrief on your week’s eating and exercise to help keep you on track.

Don’t go to extremes

Avoid using extreme diets off the Internet such as baby food diets and all-liquid diets – these diets are not supported by medical practitioners and nutritionists and are not recommended as a healthy and sustainable way to achieve weight loss. The best way to find the program that’s right for you is to speak with a real expert, like your GP or a nutritionist; only then can you hope to achieve lasting results.

Member Comments
(18)

Excellent advice. I am lucky that my weight is ok. Chatting to your GP before you take on anything is the best thing to do. Also they can be very encouraging and help to monitor your achievements.

Posted on:
March 03, 2012 (Mar 3, 2012 3:35pm)

Posted by:
Chicklet
(Member since 2008, Australia)

I am fortunate that I have always been a healthy rate, but I saw my mum often struggle with her weight. These are good tips - definitely agree with avoiding the extreme diets - keep it healthy.

Posted on:
March 07, 2012 (Mar 7, 2012 11:14pm)

Posted by:
lilpreeny
(Australia)

Great advice - your GP should be your first place you go when thinking of diet advice! None of these shake diets :)

Posted on:
March 10, 2012 (Mar 10, 2012 1:17pm)

Posted by:
Tinaaa
(Australia)

i am one of the lucky ones that is fortunate to have a normal weight... i have had a friend that was very over weight, and she tried to starve her self and just eneded up in hospital. thankfully she is ok and on a proper weight loss program now..

Posted on:
March 11, 2012 (Mar 11, 2012 2:46am)

Posted by:
Divine Diva
(Australia)

Eating in moderation and regular exercise and you should be well on your way at achieving weight loss, however I have always believed that diets don't work but a lifestyle change does. :D

Posted on:
March 11, 2012 (Mar 11, 2012 11:32pm)

Posted by:
Princess Perfume
(Australia)

I think a focus on nutrition rather than weight loss is important - if you eat healthily, the weight falls off almost painlessly.

Posted on:
April 16, 2012 (Apr 16, 2012 8:26pm)

Posted by:
Genevieve1992
(Australia)

Thanks for these pointers!

Posted on:
April 19, 2012 (Apr 19, 2012 6:55pm)

Posted by:
saha
(Australia)

some great pointers

Posted on:
May 10, 2012 (May 10, 2012 7:08pm)

Posted by:
Sparklepie
(Australia)

I have finally bitten the bullet and have decided that it is definitely time that I make a change in my life and get fit and eat healthy. I am slim, but have the gut of all guts. Seriously gross - and enough is enough!

Posted on:
June 18, 2012 (Jun 18, 2012 9:48pm)

Posted by:
Milica524
(Australia)

so insightful thank you for the great advice

Posted on:
June 26, 2012 (Jun 26, 2012 1:23pm)

Posted by:
Shodbear
(Australia)

I need to make a change. Yes I need lose weight, but more over it's my general wellbeing which needs to improve. Therefore I do think a focus on nutrition is better than any diet program. I should probably see a nutritionist or doctor.

Posted on:
July 30, 2012 (Jul 30, 2012 9:31am)

Posted by:
AmberB
(Australia)

Great advice

Posted on:
February 06, 2013 (Feb 6, 2013 1:56pm)

Posted by:
Beautifulnightmarex
(Australia)

I loose weight when im not at home naturally. i just tend to only eat when i need to rather than when i feel like an odd snack.

Posted on:
February 06, 2013 (Feb 6, 2013 9:47pm)

Posted by:
Blink182
(Australia)

Nice!

Posted on:
February 06, 2013 (Feb 6, 2013 9:53pm)

Posted by:
Beautifulnightmarex
(Australia)

it so important to stay realistic. Even half a kilo a month is still better than nothing.

Posted on:
February 06, 2013 (Feb 6, 2013 10:00pm)

Posted by:
Pink_Sugar
(Australia)

I'm in the process of something like this so great advice (trying to lose a few kilos!). Really helpful.